Canada keen to meet immigration targets despite Coronavirus

For individuals who have already started their migration process to Canada and for those who are intent to go to Canada as a permanent resident, the present Coronavirus pandemic all over the world may look unsettling.  But rest assured your dream of migrating to Canada cannot be stopped.

The good news is Canada is keen on meeting its immigration target of 1 million migrants by 2022. The Canadian Federal Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino recently announced Canada’s immigration plans and said that the country is planning to invite 341,000 immigrants in 2020, 351,000 immigrants in 2021 and up to 390,000 immigrants in 2022.

The immigration department of Canada has decided to welcome 58 percent of immigrants through economic class programs such as Express Entry programs, the Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec’s programs, and other federal streams such as the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP).

With these immigration targets, Canada hopes that by 2022, permanent residents will comprise 1% of the population. The government is keen on welcoming immigrants because they will contribute to the country’s economic growth, contribute to the country’s diversity, contribute to innovation and help Canadian employers find the talent that they need.

The country is eager to welcome immigrants to offset the low population growth due to an aging population and a low birthrate. By 2030 10% of its population is set to retire. The government will have to pay their pension without getting back any significant amount in taxes for those pensions. Immigrants with PR visas and taxable incomes will be the source for these pensions.

On the other hand, people from other countries are eager to move to Canada owing to its growing economy and the numerous job opportunities it offers.

Business as usual for Canada’s immigration department:

With such ambitious immigration targets, the Coronavirus pandemic is certainly not a deterrent for Canada’s immigration plans.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to hold Express Entry draw at regular intervals. Since January 2020, the IRCC has invited almost 4000 candidates through the Express Entry system for permanent residence.

The number of ITAs issued in March till date is 1,658.

Meanwhile, provinces of Canada continue to hold their provincial nominee program (PNP) draws on a regular basis.

The IRCC continues to process completed PR applications following its normal procedures. For those who are not able to submit their complete applications, the IRCC has given them additional time of 90 days to gather their documents in case they are facing delays due to disruptions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic in their countries.

The message is clear, Canada is continuing its immigration processing in its bid to meet the immigration targets it has set for the next two years.

Begin your Canada PR application process now:

With the Canadian government keen to continue the processing of immigration applications to meet immigration targets there is no reason for you to stop your PR application process. With every year that you delay your PR application, you can lose points on the age factor.

Notwithstanding the disruptions due to the pandemic, you should make your application now. You will get a head start compared to others who will apply once this crisis is over. Think of it, your application will already be under process while others will be taking the initial steps.

Since the whole immigration process is online, you can get your application processed without moving out of your home. With the immigration rules in your favor at present, you have a better chance now because the rules may not be the same a few months down the line.

The best time to apply for your Canada PR is now, the Coronavirus is not stopping the IRCC from processing PR applications, why should it stop you?

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No. 1 Immigration & Visa Company.